Style Mandolin
A look at what is currently available on eBay
 Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Sunburst F Holes US $55.00 
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 NEW "A" STYLE MORGAN MONROE MMS-4A MANDOLIN PACKAGE US $215.96
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 ROSEWOOD MANDOLIN ACOUSTIC BRIDGE VINTAGE STYLE NEW US $9.95
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 Savannah ELECTRIC MANDOLIN A-Style NEW! mando SA-115-E US $119.99
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 Mandolin HARDSHELL CASE Mando WD Hard Shell A-STYLE NEW US $44.95
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 Johnson "A" Style mandolin w/case US $124.99
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 Savannah Electric "A" Style mandolin w/case US $139.99
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 SAVANNAH F-STYLE MANDOLIN WITH HARD CASE NEW! Savannah US $179.95
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 Johnson / Savannah SA-100 MANDOLIN A-Style Mando NEW! US $69.99
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F style Mandolin or A style Mandolin?
I want a mandolin for Christmas, and I was wondering which type would be better to ask for? Also reccomendations on some reliable mandolins would be good, hopefully 200 and under. I know, I know, there's always the person that has to yell at everyone saying "You're not gonna get a good instrument for cheap! You have to pay at least 2,000 dollars, if you really wanted to play mandolin and be good you wouldn't be asking for it for cheap! blah blah blah" and yes I know that, but not everyone has money to throw everywhere, and I have two other siblings who also need Christmas presents... anyways, any advice is appreciated 
If you need to economize, buy an A-style mandolin--the ones with f-holes are a bit louder, and are played in bluegrass music. The oval-hole mandolins are less brash and are great for softer music. We call the scroll on the F-style mandolins a 'three thousand dollar strap hanger.'
Stay away from the super cheap mandolins--they'll simply discourage you, and you can't recoup the investment. Breedlove and Eastman sell some very nice lower-priced instruments. Use them as a starting point for comparisons. If possible, play several instruments before you settle. If you order one, require a 36-hour evaluation period.
Good luck.
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